L.A. chosen for inaugural World Urban Games

The 2028 Summer Olympics is no longer the only international multi-sport event in Los Angeles’ future. On Monday, the Global Association of International Sports Federations announced the City of Angels would host the first ever World Urban Games in 2019, as well as the second edition in 2021, should the inauguration prove successful.

“L.A. is a young, vibrant and creative city which has helped to shape youth culture and the urban sports which are the very heart of the World Urban Games,” GAISF Senior vice President Raffaele Chiulli said. “These games will be a five-day festival combining new-generation sports, music and culture and L.A. promises a huge welcome for the world*s leading urban sports athletes and fans from across the world.”

Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong has been named Chairman of the World Urban Games L.A. Organizing Committee. The Los Angeles bid was one of two to make the final cut along with Budapest.

The World Urban Games will present up to 700 athletes in seven urban sports. Events will include basketball, BMX freestyle biking, bouldering, breakdancing, frisbee events, parkour, skateboarding and roller skating. In addition to these competitions, an urban sports showcase will feature up to 100 athletes in at least four other disciplines.

Currently, the event is set to take place near the Los Angeles International Airport at a purpose-built urban park constructed in El Segundo, which will be available for use by the local community as well.